Our Team

Bespoke by Barbara

Barbara Shorts - President & Founder

Barbara Shorts, the visionary behind our company, hailing from the heart of Austin, Texas. With over two decades of experience, she's orchestrated a dazzling array of over 200 events, ranging from elegant galas to lively parties and heartfelt weddings. It's no surprise that chances are slim to find someone in her circle untouched by her magic.

Coming from a background deeply rooted in hospitality, Barbara's love for impeccable service and culinary delights has been a driving force throughout her career. Her passion lies in crafting unforgettable experiences, where every detail reflects the unique vision of her clients.

When she's not orchestrating the next spectacular event, Barbara finds solace in simple pleasures like cooking Sunday dinner for her loved ones. Recently, she welcomed a furry addition to her family, Pepper the Berne-doodle. And there's nothing she enjoys more than curling up with her favorite vodka concoction, a captivating book, or a captivating movie

Lead Event Planner

Megan Bronner

Megan Bronner brings calm confidence and bright energy to every wedding weekend she touches. A proud UT alum, she’s spent the last 13 years immersed in events, everything from weddings to social and corporate celebrations, but it’s the heart of weddings that keeps calling her back. Megan’s approach is collaborative, fun, and deeply supportive, helping couples feel like they’re planning with a friend who truly has their back.

What she loves most is getting to know each couple and guiding them through meaningful decisions that reflect who they are while also shaping a guest experience that feels effortless and unforgettable.

At Verve, Megan is known as a true team player and favorite vendor partner bringing warmth, momentum, and professionalism into every room.

Lead Event Planner

Emily Sesler

Emily's journey with Verve began four years ago, and since then, she's found herself deeply enamored with the company's unique intimacy and familial atmosphere fostered by Barbara's central role in couples' experiences. For Emily, Verve feels like more than just a workplace; it's a tightly-knit family where legacy clients become part of a larger narrative. She thrives on the passion and hyper-focus she brings to her work, particularly in the realm of event planning, where weddings hold a special allure. Emily finds solace in building connections in the vibrant city of Austin, reveling in its distinctiveness from her hometown of Dallas. She's driven by the gratification of executing flawless event days, ensuring that her brides experience stress-free celebrations while she handles the details. A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied corporate communications and business.